2008 GMC Canyon: won't start

Filed Nov 9, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 72,000 miles · LA

1. "theft deterrent" illuminates and truck will not start. Have to wait 10 minutes with key in the "acc" position and then it starts. Happens often at least 2 times a week. Also, while I am driving the "theft deterrent" illuminates at least 4 times a week while highway driving but luckily the truck does not stall or stop.

Filed Jul 26, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 130,000 miles · TX

Passlock system this has been going on over the last three years and now getting worse and is intermittent, when I insert and turn the key something happens making the theft system activate and keeps the vehicle from starting for exactly 10 minutes. Recently I turned the truck off to save gas while I was in construction traffic at a stand still with a concrete barrier on both sides and the truck would not start and the police were going to have me towed, luckily at started at 10 minutes before the tow truck came. In my opinion this can be unsafe in emergency situations if the vehicle is needed for any type of emergency. Below I am pasting something from the web, but it is basically the problem that I and people all over the country are having. "thousands of people are being LED in circles by any vehicle with a passlock ii system and it is an unsafe problem with these cars that needs to be fixed. It prevents vehicles from restarting in potentially dangerous areas while the vehicle resets and can permanently disable the car if not addressed. The problem lies in a design oversight and cutting a material cost by putting in a cheap component that any basic chemist could tell you would go bad within a year or two. Change your ignition switch contact from nickel to gold plated connectors and oxidation will not cause faulty readings to trick your vehicles into thinking that they are being stolen and shutting off the fuel pumps. Remuneration for individuals impacted by this financial burden for the purchase of your vehicles is also a request as this problem is a gold mine for car mechanics, both gm certified and freelance, to troubleshoot numerous systems before identifying the problem proper."

Filed Mar 12, 2016 · FL

The pass lock system is faulty...unreliable and dangerous many times I get stranded because the vehicle won't start due to the theft deterrent system is activated for no apparent reason

Filed Nov 17, 2015 · 67,500 miles · KS

[xxx] [xxx] wichita kansas 67203 retired [xxx]@yahoo.com [xxx] highway message: anything on general motors use of the pass2 security system, it randomly will not "read the key", at which point you must wait 15 min. To try again. Have talked to 2 other people with the same issue in the last month in my area. Talked with my local dealer and all they would offer is to replace the ignition switch, at my expense of course. Dealer stated that they were aware (gm) of it as they are now on security system pass4. This could become a safety issue if the vehicle would not start and was in a suddenly hazardous area. Dealer offered to assess my vehicle, problem it may not happen again for another month or more, although it happened to me on the 9th of november 2015 and again on the 11th. Can't really afford to be without my vehicle for that long. My vehicle is a 2008 gmc canyon. The vehicle was stationary, it has happened a total of 6 times. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Nov 5, 2015 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · VA

About 3-4 days per week the truck will not start. We have to take the key out of the ignition and let the truck sit for around 10 min. And then the truck will start, or if it does start the components on the dash and the radio does not work and we have to wiggle the switch to get it to work.

Filed May 19, 2015 · 90,000 miles · VA

About three to four times a week my vehicle will not start and I have to remove the key wait ten to thirty minutes reinsert the key then the truck will start. Several times a week I must shake the key to get the dash board and radio to work therefore allowing the vehicle to operate, tho the vehicle switch has not been recalled, although several other gmc vehicles have.

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Electrical · 65,248 miles · LA

I purchased my canyon in nov 2007. After a year of having it, it would not start. I took it to the dealership and they said it was the starter and replaced it. It started doing the same thing a few months after that. I replaced the battery. I've purchased three batteries since owning the truck. The problem is when trying to start it wont start until after sitting in the truck for exactly 10 minutes. After that it will start. I never noticed the time delay previously and bought unnecessary batteries and had a starter changed. If you look on google all canyons and colorado owners report the same problem won't start for 10 minutes. I recently took it to dealer and they said its a faulty passlock that's not covered under warranty $380.00. If all the trucks are having the same problem it should be recalled. The alarm system prevents the starting of the truck for exactly 10 minutes.this can be a matter of life and death in an emergency. More info can be found online in the search. Please help.

Filed Nov 7, 2013 · Electrical · 95,000 miles · TN

Truck was parked & locked. Upon unlocking truck & trying to start it, discovered that vehicle theft deterrent system light was flashing & vehicle would not start. Waited ten minutes & restarted truck. Each time vehicle stopped & parked that day, same thing happened again. After checking internet discovered that this is very common problem for canyons & colorados!!! Two suggestions offered on internet - 1) take to dealer & spend big bucks for new computer chip. 2) once truck running, cut wire to theft deterrent system (be advised vehicle will no longer have a theft deterrent system). Went with option 2. Can't believe this is common vehicle problem & no federal action taken?

Filed Sep 25, 2013 · Electrical · 12,100 miles · FL

Following the first incident noted above, there were several other such incidents, where turning the ignition switch resulted in no starter engagement, dead battery indication. Following the first incident, the original battery had been replaced with a new battery. After the second incident following a jump start, the engine started. The vehicle was driven about 3 miles to an automotive parts store where the new battery (about 1 month old) was tested and found to be fully charged and in good condition. Following a third incident about a month aftter the second incident, the vehicle was taken to the gm deaaler for diagnosing. The dealer said the ignition switch was defective based upon the computer code. Despite the vehicle's 2008 year, the vehicle only had 14,769 miles. My out-of-pocket cost was $386. This defective switch should not have failed at such a low mileage. An internet search revealed other gm products reporting the same switch failure problem.